I am running this interest check to see how much demand there would be for new Alps SKCM Blue re-creation switches. These switches would be copied as accurately as possible from original Blue Alps parts including the switchplate. I have talked with several switch manufacturers that would be willing to undertake the project, however, it will be an expensive project, so I need to see how much demand there would be before I can continue.
Do let me know if you need any help with design. I am happy to work out CAD models for alps switches and leaves if needed.
I’m more interested in SKCM Brown and Orange remakes.
That would be awesome!
Do you have any Blue Alps to use as reference?
Once we remake old Alps housings that will be easy.
I took the interest check but I don’t know if you’re legit, this is a really big project. Do you actually think you could reproduce Blue Alps? Brown Alps would also be really cool.
This ^ While I’d love to see a good remake of SKCM blues, a good remake of SKCM browns would interest me even more. Also TBH, while it would require more of a workload, I think adding SKCM brown remakes would grab even more interest & final sales (if it goes to GB) for this project
I would lobe to see this happen and would support it
Hmm interesting, I’d love to see where this goes!
As for blue alps, I do not, but I do have a good few NOS whites, so I can get measurements for nearly everything but the leaf itself.
Would be very interested in a comeback!
Pardon my ignorance, but would we need Alps specific keycaps? Or do they use the same cherry stem?
You would need alps keycaps. There are sliders that make it cherry compatible but i haven’t really looked into them too much. I believe they’re called nexus sliders.
I’m interested, especially if they have MX compatible stems or the option to buy a set of white on black compatible keycpas.
White on Black alps caps IC here.
Can Alps switches be mounted to any plate mount? Or do we require special mounts for these as well? Basically, in my mind I’m looking to buy a Rama board and use Alps switches / keycaps to make something special.
You need board and plate support for alps, they’re not just guaranteed compatible with everything.
I bet if you ask Wilba, you can get a plate and PCB that’ll be Alps compatible.
Yep as other have said SKCM/L ALPS switches have a different size & footprint that requires plates & PCBs designed to work with them. This actually isn’t the hugest deal as a lot of PCB’s will feature both MX & ALPS compatibility & getting a plate cut to support ALPS switches is fairly easy also. Where you’re gonna run into an issue is wanting to do an ALPS build with a RAMA board, since AFAIK all of his boards have used integrated plates (the plate & top housing are all one part) that only accept MX switches unfortunately.